Organisers of the Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show reopened the gates to Turnpike Showground following months of lockdown with their first Food & Crafts Market on the 22nd May. The socially distanced day out in the countryside offered visitors a safe slice of normality.
Market Trader Emma from All About The Glaze said “It was a totally awesome day having sold out by lunchtime, I promise to bring more doughnuts next time!” 553 car loads of visitors explored the 75 local traders with their regionally sourced goods that were on offer. The Market offered everything from goat’s milk soap and home furnishings to meat and vegetables for the Sunday roast.
James Cox, Event Organiser said “the aim is to offer local food, drink and craft producers along with local businesses, a place to meet customers old and new after a difficult trading year whilst also providing the local community a safe outside space to shop local”.
The Showground has already scheduled a second edition of the Market for Saturday 26th June 2021 with not only more Traders already booked but the launch of an event within the Market in the style of a Classic Car Gathering. The Show called the Gillingham And Shaftesbury 100 or GAS100 for short has the aim of bringing together 100 classic cars for a get together alongside the tantalising smells of the nearby Food & Drink.
That is not all, organisers are also after buskers and musicians from the area to help add to the atmosphere. Jason Russel of Amazing Sharpener stated “From speaking to my customers during the event, they were all enjoying their day out and are pleased to be out and about again safely. The Show was well organised and COVID secure. Both myself and the customers felt safe”.
“Whether you join us at the Market to do your weekly shop or to just enjoy a cider under the Tipi supplied by Southern Tipi Co. You are not just having an enjoyable day out but supporting local businesses” finished James Cox of the Turnpike Showground.
The Food & Crafts Market takes place on Turnpike Showground from 10:00 until 16:00 on Saturday 26th June. Parking must be booked online or over the phone with the Show Office in advance and is limited. Are you a local business? You could even trade! For more information call 01747 823955 or see www.gillinghamandshaftesburyshow.co.uk